Julie Golob Receives Inaugural
“Woman of the Gun” Award

The NSSF named champion shooter and safety advocate Julie Golob recipient of its first-ever Woman of the Gun Award during the 2022 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The award recognizes Golob’s achievements and contributions to the shooting sports, as well as her work to promote the mission and message of NSSF’s Project ChildSafe program.

“Julie is a mom, veteran, hunter and one of the most decorated handgun shooting champions in the world,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF president and CEO. “For more than a decade, she’s also been an invaluable partner to our Project ChildSafe program, giving of her time, her talents and her energy to promote firearm safety education.”

Golob’s career in competitive shooting started when she took top honors in several matches as a junior competitor, leading to her recruitment by the U.S. Army Shooting Team. Over the past 30 years, she has earned more than 150 major championship titles, including more than 50 world and national titles. Golob is also the first woman in history to win U.S. Practical Shooting Association Championships in all seven handgun divisions.

Golob began working with Project ChildSafe in 2013, lending her name and expertise to a host of firearm safety education efforts through guest columns, social media campaigns, public appearances and videos, including a feature video on how to talk to kids about gun safety.

“I’m a huge advocate of passing on the tradition of safe and fun enjoyment of the shooting sports. They’re an indelible part of our heritage as a nation.”

Julie Golob

“I’m a huge advocate of passing on the tradition of safe and fun enjoyment of the shooting sports. They’re an indelible part of our heritage as a nation,” Golob said. “My whole family shares that heritage, and all of us can take pride in the results of our collective work to promote gun safety and responsibility.”

The NSSF launched Project ChildSafe in 1999 as a nationwide program to promote secure and responsible storage of firearms when they are not in use.

The focus has been on preventing accidents and thefts, and suicide prevention.

Project ChildSafe has been recognized by the National Safety Council and the U.S. Department of Justice, among others, for its effectiveness in educating gun owners. Most importantly, over the past 20 years, fatal firearms accidents have dropped to historic lows. / projectchildsafe.org

Bear & Son Cutlery, Blackhawk Ink Licensing Agreement

Bear & Son Cutlery has entered into a licensing agreement with Blackhawk. The new licensing deal will allow Bear & Son Cutlery to manufacture new Blackhawk knife models in its Alabama factory, as well as commercialize additional models throughout their nationwide dealer network.

“This agreement will allow us to strategically develop Bear & Son Cutlery’s personal-defense and tactical knife program, providing dealers with even more premium knife choices that meet customer applications,” said Matt Griffey, VP of Bear and Son Cutlery. “The name Blackhawk is trusted by countless military members, veterans, government agencies and first responders of this great country. Bringing this brand into the Bear & Son Cutlery family matches our goals of providing the best cutlery products they can depend on.”

Along with distributing original Blackhawk knives, Bear & Son Cutlery will have the opportunity to influence the design process of new knives manufactured under the Blackhawk brand. Beginning this spring, the new knife lineup will include a butterfly knife, additional automatics, a fixed-blade dagger, a tactical pry tool, a modified Karambit knife and numerous assisted-opening knives. / bearandsoncutlery.com / blackhawk.com

National Deer Association Receives Grant

The National Deer Association (NDA) announced a $150,000 grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund. The grant will benefit important local and regional conservation projects that will help ensure the future of wild deer, wildlife habitat and hunting.

The landmark grant was funded by noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops Founder Johnny Morris, and generous contributions from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s customers. It will expand NDA’s and its conservation partners’ nationwide initiative, “Improving Access, Habitat and Deer Hunting on Public Lands.” One of those partners is the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).

“The fund and the organizations it’s helped over the years has had an immeasurably positive impact on fish and wildlife conservation, and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Nick Pinizzotto, president and CEO of NDA.

Like the NDA, the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Outdoor Fund encourages more than 200 million Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s customers to round up purchases to support conservation partners and projects advocating for sportsmen’s rights, connect new audiences to the outdoors and protect and conserve wildlife habitat across North America. This mission closely aligns with the NDA’s.

Support from the Outdoor Fund will allow the NDA to accelerate important work addressing landscape-level access and forest health issues, reaching a goal of improving 1 million acres of public land by 2026, at least five years ahead of earlier expectations.

An NDA and USFS agreement helps shared stewardship coordinators identify and select proposed projects for completion on public lands across the country. These efforts are guided by USFS land management objectives, NDA’s conservation priorities and local and regional needs. They may include fire abatement strategies and/or prescribed fire treatments; various forms of vegetation management to promote healthy forests; watershed restoration and maintenance; control of noxious and exotic species and the reestablishment of native species; recreational facility management; and road and trail maintenance or decommissioning to restore and improve water quality.

Work has already begun in Kentucky and Mississippi, impacting an estimated 55,000 to 65,000 acres. The NDA and USFS are on track to have projects in six states totaling 175,000 to 265,000 acres in 2022. The NDA was previously awarded $180,000 in funding to jump-start the initiative in 2021 through an anonymous donor. / deerassociation.com

Base Camp Leasing Supports Freedom Hunters

Base Camp Leasing (BCL) announced it has provided a donation to Freedom Hunters, a 501(c)(3) military outreach program that focuses on providing outdoor adventures for U.S servicemen and women.

Support from BCL will enhance Freedom Hunters’ post-deployment outdoor adventures for military personnel and their families, as well as honor the wounded and remember the fallen.

“We’re proud to support Freedom Hunters. Their focus on the military community is outstanding. Our business is all about enjoying hunting and the outdoors, so this is a great match for us,” said JT Kreager, BCL CEO.

“We know how important having access to great properties can be. Base Camp Leasing’s partnership will open more doors to the great outdoors and witness the power of bringing healing to our military community through our adventures,” said Anthony Pace, founder of Freedom Hunters. “The healing and camaraderie that takes place on hunts like this are priceless. Together, we are changing lives. From all of us at Freedom Hunters, thank you!” / basecampleasing.com / freedomhunters.org

Christensen Arms Partners With W.L. Gore’s Optifade

Christensen Arms has announced its partnership with W.L. Gore for usage of Elevated II and Subalpine OPTIFADE camouflage on their premium firearms.

“This is an incredible opportunity for two iconic industry brands to partner together for the benefit of the consumer. OPTIFADE pattern hunting advantages have been well documented. Adding this superior pattern to our state-of-the-art hunting rifles definitely gives the hunter an extreme advantage in accuracy and concealment,” said Stephen Graham, SVP of marketing at Christensen Arms.

Christensen Arms will be using Elevated II and Subalpine patterns on the Ridgeline and Ranger .22 firearms. The Elevated II pattern will be used on the following: Ridgeline .308 Win. (16.25″ barrel length), 6.5 PRC (18″), 6.5 Creedmoor (20″) and Ranger .22 LR (18″). The Subalpine pattern will be used on the following: Ridgeline .300 Win. Mag. (26″ barrel length), .300 PRC (26″), 6.5 PRC (24″), 28 Nosler (26″) and Ranger .22 LR (18″). All rifles are backed by the Christensen Arms Sub-MOA at 50 Yards Guarantee.

The OPTIFADE Subalpine pattern is designed for stalking and ambushing from ground level in tree-covered and vegetated terrain. The OPTIFADE Concealment Elevated II pattern is designed for elevated hunting. Its macro and micro pattern configurations echo the higher contrast of bright sky against the shaded underside of foliage, allowing hunters to extend their season as the leaves change. / christensenarms.com

Pyramyd Air Launches “Sick Of COVID Challenge”

Pyramyd Air has kicked off its Sick of COVID Challenge to encourage customers to enjoy trigger time with loved ones while getting out some pent-up pandemic frustration.

Customers can receive a free (plus shipping) set of Sick of COVID stickers and targets and enter to win exclusive prize packages by sharing how they enjoy their trigger therapy after a long two years of the pandemic.

Whether it’s an action-packed film, creative candids or an interesting story, Pyramyd Air wants to hear how shooters are showing they’re “Sick of COVID.”

Pyramyd Air will award $3,000 in shopping sprees to winners, plus weekly giveaways, throughout the two-month campaign. The Sick of COVID Challenge launched Feb. 7, 2022 and will run through April 7. Winners will be drawn after the campaign concludes.
/ pyramydair.com/soc

SAAMI Certifies True Velocity 6.8TVC Round

True Velocity, a Texas-based advanced defense technology company, announced a commercial version of the 6.8TVC cartridge the company initially designed for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) program is now available for civilian use. The announcement came immediately following a vote by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) board of directors to accept the new cartridge and publish its specifications.

The 6.8TVC is a composite-cased round offering significant weight reduction, improved accuracy and extended range over comparable brass-cased cartridges. True Velocity introduced the 6.8TVC cartridge for SAAMI certification at a maximum average pressure of 65,000 psi with a 135-grain bullet at a velocity of 3,000 fps. It’s the first composite-cased cartridge to be accepted for SAAMI certification.

True Velocity, which has produced cartridges for American and allied war fighters for years, plans to make the 6.8TVC cartridge available to consumers via the company’s website, as well as at retail locations nationwide.

True Velocity is working with a growing list of preeminent rifle manufacturers, such as Daniel Defense, Beretta USA and Lewis Machine & Tool to develop rifles or conversion kits for the 6.8TVC cartridge. The company will offer special ammunition subscriptions to customers who purchase the 6.8TVC rifles and conversion kits, providing a discount off regular retail price and direct-to-consumer delivery.

True Velocity subsidiary LoneStar Future Weapons also plans to launch a commercial version of the RM-277 bullpup rifle it developed and submitted for the NGSW program in conjunction with the military version of the 6.8TVC cartridge. LoneStar and True Velocity comprise one of two remaining contenders for the NGSW program.

“What we’re doing is putting the performance of the most advanced ammunition ever created for U.S. troops into the hands of discerning shooters who want to hit their target every time,” said Kevin Boscamp, CEO of True Velocity. “Without question, the future of shooting sports and performance can be found in our proprietary, composite-cased rounds. SAAMI’s certification of the 6.8TVC is further evidence of the adoption we are seeing for composite-cased ammunition.” / tvammo.com

Big Rock Sports Announces 2022 New Product Showcase Winners

Big Rock Sports announced the 2022 New Product Showcase Winners at its second virtual National Outdoor Expo. The category winners were chosen based on the participating retailers’ individual votes on each product.

The Shooting Sports 2021 New Product Showcase winners are:
• Best Rifle/Shotgun: Mossberg 940 Pro Waterfowl Semi-Auto
• Best Handgun: Springfield SA-35 9mm Semi-Auto
• Best Ammunition: Hornady CX Superformance 30-06 SPR Rifle Ammo
• Best Scope/Optics: Leupold Patrol 6HD Scope
• Best Hunting Accessory: Covert WC20 Wireless Camera
• Best Shooting Sports Accessory: Hornady Rapid Safe
• Best Knife and Tool: Buck 212 Ranger Fixed Blade
• Overall Best of Show Winner – Shooting Sports: Springfield SA-35 9mm Semi-Auto

The Fishing, Camp and Marine Showcase winners are:
• Best Rod/Reel Combo: Berkley Pro Spec Chrome
• Best Reel: Daiwa Ballistic MQ Spinning Reel
• Best Rod: 13 Fishing Blackout Casting Rod
• Best Freshwater Lure: Berkley PowerBait Gilly
• Best Saltwater Lure: Z-Man HerculeZ Swimbait
• Best Fishing Line: Berkley Pro Spec Chrome
• Best Terminal Tackle/Accessory: Fishin Stix Orange Bite Alarm
• Best Camping/Outdoor: Thermacell Patio Shield Mosquito Repeller
• Best Marine Electronic: Humminbird Helix 7
• Overall Best of Show Winner – Fish/Camp/Marine: Humminbird Helix 7
/ bigrocksports.com

SIG SAUER Partners With IHEA-USA

SIG SAUER has announced a new partnership with the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA) that will benefit hunter education instructors in numerous ways.

The IHEA-USA has finalized its multi-year strategic plan, which outlines the commitment to serving and retaining vital volunteers in the shooting industry and the state agency teams that coordinate public education for hunting and the shooting sports. SIG SAUER has agreed to partner in this mission delivery.

SIG SAUER will offer instructor and guide discounts on select products, and IHEA-USA will participate in SIG SAUER-hosted events. Additionally, SIG SAUER will support the new IHEA-USA Firearm Fundamentals Course, scheduled to launch later this year. The course is designed to give new firearms owners thorough training on firearm safety from the IHEA-USA, the authority on firearm safety in the field.

“SIG’s generosity allows us to give even more back to our valuable volunteer Hunter Education Instructor Corps. We are so excited to offer the tens of thousands of volunteer instructors discounts on a variety of SIG products and experiences through giveaways and contests,” said Alex Baer, executive director of the IHEA-USA.

“This is an exciting new partnership for SIG SAUER as we begin to further expand our presence in the hunting community for 2022. We first want to express our appreciation to all volunteer Hunter Educators for everything they do for the firearms and hunting community,” said Tom Taylor, CMO and executive VP of commercial sales for SIG SAUER Inc. “Partnering with IHEA-USA to provide them with an exclusive SIG SAUER program to get products like the CROSS Rifle and our full line of riflescopes, rangefinders and binoculars is an honor. Additionally, this new affiliation with the IHEA-USA allows us to expand our efforts in education with regard to gun safety through their new Firearms Fundamentals program.”

SIG SAUER’S support also allows the IHEA-USA to continue to market and create curriculum and content for state fish and wildlife agencies to execute programs that teach safe gun handling, including their Hunter Education and Firearms Fundamentals Courses. / sigsauer.com / ihea-usa.org

NASGW Releases First Annual SCOPE Report

The National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW), the association representing shooting sports wholesalers, manufacturers and their trade partners, and the creator of the industry-leading SCOPE data platform, has released the first annual SCOPE Report compiling distributor sales and inventory data from throughout 2021, at no cost.

“NASGW has been compiling data for the last few years and reporting is something we’ve wanted to provide for a long time,” said Kenyon Gleason, NASGW president. “With the addition of some key new team members, we are excited to provide a standard to measure trends in our industry.”

The 2021 SCOPE Report is also available with regional breakdowns for a more granular analysis. In the future, the national report will be available for purchase on a quarterly and annual basis from NASGW. Data compiled from this report is sourced directly from SCOPE DLX (distributor sales and inventory). In addition, quarterly and annual reporting from SCOPE CLX (retailer sales) will be available in the future as NASGW continues to bring on more POS partners and retail stores.

“We’ve got big things happening with SCOPE right now,” said Easton Kuboushek, NASGW director of data programs. “We’re currently adding some significant partners, expanding our reach, growing our users and delivering on the vision we laid out years ago to be the standard for data in the shooting sports industry. This first report is just the beginning of what we plan to provide on a consistent basis.”

To download a free copy of the 2021 SCOPE Annual Report, visit https://nasgwscope.org/resources/the-scope-report. / nasgw.org

SCCY Firearms Launches REVAMPED Website

SCCY Firearms announced the launch of its updated website, with added user-friendly features that make it visually appealing and informative. The new website utilizes new technology complementing SCCY’s rebranding effort, which started in 2021 and continues into 2022 and beyond.

The ability to compare model specifications and prices is just one of the site’s improved options. A new, 360-degree firearms viewer gives customers the ability to rotate, flip and manipulate models so they can view all of the handguns’ features. This allows potential customers to view the firearms as if they were holding them in their hands from the comfort of their home, according to Chris Davis, VP of marketing and sales for SCCY.

New technology called Augmented Reality (AR) allows impressive, new features. Scanning an on-screen QR code with a mobile phone allows customers to manipulate a firearm in a 3D fashion, as if it were right in front of them on a table.

Also included in the new website are a variety of training videos presented by SCCY’s Chris Cerino. The videos are located under the Media tab, and can be found by clicking “Training.” / sccy.com

SABRE L.E. Aerosols Receive Top Marks

Security Equipment Corporation (SEC), manufacturer of SABRE Aerosol Irritant Projectors (AIP), has achieved certification to the ASTM E3187-19, Standard Specification for Less Lethal Aerosol Devices Used by Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Other Public Safety Officers. In addition, it has achieved the companion certification standard, ASTM E3215-19, Standard Practice for Certification of Less Lethal Aerosol Devices Used by Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Other Public Safety Officers.

The SABRE Red 1.33% MC Crossfire Stream & Gel flip top duty belt units along with the SABRE Red 1.33% MC Generation 1 Stream flip top duty belt units have all been certified by SEI (Safety Equipment Institute), effective October 11, 2021. Initial certification testing was successfully completed on September 24, 2021, in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E3187-19 & E3215-19, Standard Specification for Less Lethal Aerosol Devices Used by Law Enforcement and Corrections & Practice for Certification of Less Lethal Aerosol Devices.

“As the market leader in law enforcement aerosol irritant projectors, our organization is committed to continually investing in our products and procedures so they receive and maintain the highest certification as it is our mission to help agencies Make It Safe,” said Mike Patterson, head of SABRE L.E. sales.

The SABRE Law Enforcement AIPs underwent rigorous testing, including resistance to crushing, resistance to dropping, resistance to high temperature, resistance to low temperature, flammability, electroshock weapon (esw) flammability, HPLC analysis, etc. All product model testing is conducted in accordance with globally recognized product standards from organizations like ASTM International, ANSI/ANAB, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), and the U.S. National Institute of Justice (NIJ). / sabrered.com

LUCID Optics Increases U.S. Manufacturing Components

Lucid Optics, manufacturer of quality firearms optics and accessories, announced changes in its production and import process that will allow for more U.S.-made components in the manufacturing of its products.

Businesses have had to look for ways to solve the problems of product and labor shortages, shipping and production delays and reduce their impact on operations.

“Lucid Optics has taken steps (to develop) the infrastructure, and modified some of our supply chain to embrace U.S. manufacturing of key optics in our Riverton, Wyo. facility,” said Jason Wilson, founder and president of Lucid Optics.
Lucid has considered how various solutions would impact the company’s values as an American-owned small business. Supporting American jobs and contributing to U.S. economic growth is a strong priority for the company.

“Will these items cost more? Sure, but whenever the conversation about this is broached, our customers almost always say they would be willing to pay more for a U.S.-made item. With the advances in technology and some of our relationships with component manufacturers, this will be a challenge that should yield an incredible step in the right direction for the Lucid Optics product line,” Wilson said. / lucidoptics.com

Ruger Donates To SSSF From Auctioning Rare Firearms On GunBroker

Ruger has donated $30,000 to the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF), an organization dedicated to educating youth about the shooting sports. Ruger’s donation was raised through auctions on GunBroker.com between September and December 2021.

Since 2010, Ruger has been working with the popular firearms auction website GunBroker.com to auction off rare, unusual, discontinued or one-of-a-kind Ruger firearms. All proceeds from these auctions are donated to various charities, with over $820,000 raised and donated in total over the last decade.

“We’re proud to be able to support the SSSF in its mission of educating young folks all across America about the shooting sports,” said Chris Killoy, Ruger president and CEO. “These auctions are a creative way for us to support important organizations in our industry while also sharing one-of-a-kind Ruger firearms with our loyal customers.”

Some rare firearms sold to benefit the SSSF were a Ruger Vaquero revolver featuring a hand-engraved western scroll design and a Hawkeye Predator rifle previously owned by former Ruger CEO, Mike Fifer, who took the rifle on a hunt in Greenland with his daughter in 2011. / ruger.com/auctions / sssfonline.org

Green Top Shooting Range Awarded NSSF’s Five-Star Rating

Green Top Shooting Range has received a Five-Star rating for range excellence from NSSF, making it Virginia’s only indoor shooting range with the top-rated designation.

“We’re honored to be recognized as one of only 51 indoor ranges in the U.S. with the NSSF Five-Star rating,” said Blaine Altaffer, Green Top president and CEO. “We continue to use experienced-based retailing wrapped with expertise and passion by our team at Green Top as the differentiator for why customers and members so proudly call Green Top their retailer and range of choice. As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, getting this award is like a bow on the box for us!”

To receive the NSSF’s Five-Star rating the range had to undergo a vigorous 128-point review process.

“The facility stands out for its top-quality range, a clean and open retail showroom, knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff and strong community support. All add up to a top-notch target shooting range,” added Zach Snow, NSSF director of member development.

Green Top Shooting Range, which opened in 2019, offers 24 indoor, climate-controlled 25-yard lanes across three shooting bays, a high-efficiency air filtration system, ballistic glass shooting stalls and fully automated touch-screen target retrieval systems. The facility also offers 2,000 sq. ft. of retail space, which includes an assortment of firearms and range accessories, ammo and gear. In addition, the range offers a full complement of firearms safety and training classes, including courses for women, general firearms safety, home defense and beginners. All classes are taught by certified firearms instructors and all employees are certified RSOs. / greentopshootingrange.com / nssf.org

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